Craig takes command of Alabama National Guard 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne)

View full sizeMaj. Gen. Perry G. Smith, Alabama's Adjutant General, hands the 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne) colors to Col. James D. Craig, the new 20th SFG (A) commander, during a change of command ceremony. (Special/Alabama National Guard)

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- The Alabama National Guard's 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne) got a new commander when Col. James D. Craig became the brigade commander for one of only two Special Forces groups in the National Guard.

Craig took over command Saturday from Col. Randall M. Zeegers, who has led the brigade since June 2009, according to a news release. Zeegers has been named deputy commanding general of the U.S. Army Special Forces.

"I look forward to serving with you all," Craig said during a ceremony at the group's headquarters in Birmingham. "We will continue to build on the efforts and the service of those who served before us."

The 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne) has a battalion in Alabama and has command and control over battalions in Mississippi and Florida, according to the statement.

"We don't select just anybody to command at the brigade level," Maj. Gen. Perry G. Smith, Alabama's Adjutant General, said in the statement. "You must prove that you have the potential to serve at this level by performing well and leading professionally."

During Saturday's ceremony, which included Smith handing over the 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne) colors to Craig, told unit members they had his "greatest respect and lifelong devotion."